Julie Gentry's comments

Make Your Clothes Last Longer - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 04:36 PM

When we lived in Japan, there was no hot water option for clothes. Before then, I'd always washed on warm. Now, I only wash the stinky stuff on hot or warm. Everything else gets just as clean on cold. And I'm only using half the amount of recommended soap. Hasn't made a difference, except in my budget.

Don't Try This At Home: When Frugality Goes Wrong - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 04:34 PM

The dyes in the colored toilet paper can be irritating to ..um, "sensitive" areas :-).

(Who'd have thought toilet paper was so interesting?! LOL)

The Ethics of Free Stuff - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 04:29 PM

LOL! Yes, I'm sure she did! It's probably how she justifies it ;-)

One Ringy Dingy... Unlimited Phone Calls for $199/yr. - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 04:28 PM

Skype is a little different because it uses peer-to-peer technology -- the bandwidth from other computers. If you're making only a few calls per month, it's definitely a great deal since it charges by the minute. But they've jumped to $29.95/mo now for unlimited calls. At $12, Sunrocket is more cost efficient if you're on the phone a lot. Thanks for bringing that up, though. It's great for people needing minimum service!

You're right about the alarm system. Sunrocket supports them, but if you lose your Internet, you'd lose your alarm. You could go with a wireless alarm, or keep the landline. You could even get a dedicated alarm line from your phone company that wouldn't cost you as much as a regular landline.

Host An Outgrown Swap - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 03:09 AM

We tried this. Unfortunately, most people brought clothes, but didn't take very many home. I had to lug them to the thrift shop. They were glad to get them, but it didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned. Can you tell me when you threw it? I thought August (before school) would be perfect, but it wasn't. What's a better time?

Don't Try This At Home: When Frugality Goes Wrong - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 03:07 AM

I agree, Andrea. Scott (or Marcal) lasts so much longer. And white only. We're on septic, so newspaper would cost a thousand times more than t.p. in the long run.

5 Ways to Save on Toilet Paper - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 03:02 AM

I pride myself on being cheap, but this is just too much! lol. One of my friends takes a knife and CUTS hers. All the way through. That way her kids are only getting two(?) pieces at a time. She swears it cut the use in half. Me, I think I'd rather find another way to save the dollar and not have stinky kids ;-).

Talking to the Owner of a Chained Dog - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 02:54 AM

Good suggestions! As long as peopleare actually willing to carry out their offer, rather than just berate their neighbor. I'm sure most people would love to have the help, even if it's just the walking. Depending upon where you live, #5 might not be so well received.

The Outrage Over the Breast - Blog Entry

11 Jan 2007 12:43 AM

I didn't see the cover, but I do get upset with women who breastfeed in public without covering themselves. Yes, it's natural. But my 14 year old doesn't need to see breasts. Maybe the magazine ought to have known their customer base better. If there's that much hoopla, it probably wasn't the best choice.

The Family Name - Blog Entry

10 Jan 2007 11:29 PM

I think those are wonderful choices! Statistically, children with names perceived as 'normal' do better on every measure of success. (I say that having a son named Elisha ;-)).